Why did you become nurses?

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Thanks everyone for your replies - this was very helpful. I was surprised (maybe I'm naive) at some of the candor from those of you who got into nursing for the money. I do my job for the money only - I really hate it. I wouldn't continue for anything less than what I'm getting, and I don't think if I were to make 2x what I do now that I'd like it anymore.
Would you keep doing nursing if it paid more like what aides or techs get?

I don't think I could stomach that. Granted if work were 100% about the paychecks, we're in the WRONG profession. But we work way too hard mentally, emotionally, and physically with too much responsibility to get paid so little.

kalevra, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

1. Compensation is great! In my facility take home after taxes is about $4500 a month. This does not include all my health, vision, dental, gym membership etc which are all free. Flexible hours, we have people that work 8/9/12 depending on what department you are in. I get to work 3 days in a row and then spend the rest of the 4 days with my family.

2. It is definitely what I thought floor nursing was gonna be in an "economically disadvantaged" city and its demographics. Lots of IVDA frequent flyers all year long, lots of homeless when it starts to get cold, lots of non-insured gangbangers with gunshots, and not enough "thank you for all your hard work". Also a TON of CODE BROWNs.

In the long run this is not my end game. I am working towards advanced practice. Where I can work a nice office job as an NP. I know of many coworkers and now NPs that did the same. They rave about how there are no poop wiping, no ungrateful gangbangers, and no homeless in their clinic.

I been working long enough to know what I want in my job. It sure is not being treated like a servant. I paid my dues working in an economically depressed area. Now its time to move on.

Before you make up your mind, remember that even though my experience is not a good one to have, remember that not all hospitals are as rough as mine or located in a rough city. There are niches that don't require such stress, some jobs you show up in a suit.

Best of luck to you.

I love my cat! · Mar 22, 2014

1) Why did y'all become nurses?

I was starting my Master's Degree in Psychology and I felt really panicked that I would be limited with career options. Because I had already taken A & P, Chemistry, Statistics, etc...the transition into Nursing was easy. Also, coming from a large family filled with MD's, RN's and Firefighters-there was a lot of pressure to pursue something in the healthcare field.

2) Is it what you thought it would be, or what you were told it would be?

Not anything like I thought it would be. I guess I thought the people I would be working with would be like my family members, lol. I also was under the illusion that Nursing would be a really close-knit and cohesive environment.

That everyone would be working towards one goal: Helping the patient.

I found out (very quickly) that everyone was out for themselves.

nursefrances, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I love my cat, I'm sorry that you have had that experience: working with others who only care about themselves and not the patient.

I have to say it is not like this everywhere. I love my current job and we do work as a team, for each other and for the patients. I am grateful to have a DON that has a heart for the employees. Patients will comment that our group works well together and my joke for this is, "Thanks, yep we are like a family....that actually gets along."

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I've been a nurse for 5 years ( LPN/RN combined) and I became a nurse because I simply enjoy taking care of people and could not imagine doing anything else. I believe God put me on this earth to be a nurse. I have good days and bad days but the good definitely outweighs the bad.

If nurses were paid a CNA's wage, I probably would continue to nurse PRN but will have to find a job with adequate income. As much as I love being a nurse, I do have to pay bills.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I have been a nurse for 6 years. Never really put much thought into careers in high school so as I got close to graduating, people started telling me that I would make a good nurse, since I had spent most of my teen years taking care of my sick mother. I have since worked in a variety of in patient hospital areas, and loved every area of nursing I have done.

Is it what I thought it would be? I don't know. I feel I went into this field without a lot of expectations. I have not had any disappointments as far as work conditions, hours, etc. The pay was rather low at my first job (I started out as a new RN grad at $19/hr), but am now working in a major metro area making double that. I knew even as a teenager I wanted a career I wouldn't need student loans and debt to obtain, and attending a hospital based diploma program allowed me to not have to take out any student loans, which is unheard of for most other professions.

As others have said, I do not believe nursing is a calling. Sure, I love helping people, but you also have to be good at prioritizing, science, and critical thinking to make this career work for you

Guests · Mar 22, 2014

Thanks everyone for your replies - this was very helpful. I was surprised (maybe I'm naive) at some of the candor from those of you who got into nursing for the money.

Why? The reason that I work - and have done all the myriad jobs that I've done since I was 14 years old - is to earn money...

otherwise, I'd be a volunteer or pursue a hobby...

Nursing is not a mission nor a calling... it's a job, no different than any other job.

I do my job for the money only - I really hate it. I wouldn't continue for anything less than what I'm getting, and I don't think if I were to make 2x what I do now that I'd like it anymore.

I've done some things I didn't like simply because it paid me sufficiently well to permit me to do some things that I love.

Would you keep doing nursing if it paid more like what aides or techs get?

Not just no, but heck NO!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I need a job that will not bore me. I need a job that has a real, concrete effect. I need a job that needs me.

Best wishes in finding that niche...however I would caution find a job that "needs" you-you may find that to be a nightmare.

Find a hobby or an interest that allows you be uninhibited to your happiness-life is too short to be unhappy.

I have found a career where I will never be bored and has a real, concrete effect-that career is nursing; I'm in the business to be a "healing manager"; I have found this business to be VERY empowering; I have shaped my practice to do so, and will continue to do so; and I get paid well to do it; I found ways to do so as an independent contractor and a W2'er by being a good negotiator. I have found niches and have used my niches to open doors for me; I have enjoyed my years, remained objective, and have contributed to making my places at work even better-guess I have been the change that I seek when identified and needed. I enjoy this business and the many opportunities in it, whether in the trenches, educating others, or whatever the profession I can carve my niche in.

When I am off the clock, I have a fulfilling life; I have traveled around the world, give back to community regularly, enjoy my social contacts, and have hobbies that I enjoy which allow me to enjoy appropriate solitude or help me interact and mutually enjoy creating a learning experience of the human condition.

NOADLS · Mar 22, 2014

Why? The reason that I work - and have done all the myriad jobs that I've done since I was 14 years old - is to earn money...
otherwise, I'd be a volunteer or pursue a hobby...
Nursing is not a mission nor a calling... it's a job, no different than any other job.I've done some things I didn't like simply because it paid me sufficiently well to permit me to do some things that I love.
Not just no, but heck NO!!

You took the words right out of my mouth.

rupertmichaes · Mar 23, 2014

Quote from rupertmichaes
Thanks everyone for your replies - this was very helpful. I was surprised (maybe I'm naive) at some of the candor from those of you who got into nursing for the money.
Why? The reason that I work - and have done all the myriad jobs that I've done since I was 14 years old - is to earn money...

I am surprised because most of the nurses I grew up around including my mother went into it for better reasons than you did.

I am glad there are some people who went into it because they have compassion for the injured, sick, and dying.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2014

I am surprised because most of the nurses I grew up around including my mother went into it for better reasons than you did.
I am glad there are some people who went into it because they have compassion for the injured, sick, and dying.

If you are good at your job what does it matter if you went into it for the money. I went to nursing school with plenty of laid off factory workers who were going into nursing cause they needed a way to support their families and nursing provided that

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2014

It's more than a job for me...I'm one of those "calling" people. I truly think that nursing is what I was meant to do...and I really do get so much satisfaction from it. It isn't about the money at all, but that's certainly a nice perk. I could never do anything unless my heart was in it and I was truly passionate about it. That's just me though...I know a lot of nurses who don't feel that way and went into it for the money and are great nurses. I don't think your motivations dictate how great of a nurse you are. I'm also a great cook but I can't say I'm really passionate about it....(eating food on the other hand...)